SB, if you want to step up from the Mooney, have you considered a TP, and if so which one? I can see they're far more expensive than the Eclipse or Djet but in terms of running cost they should be more economical. I could be wrong however. Just being curious...
Hi Deice,
I've looked at TBM700/850 and PC-12 but v expensive.
The Malibu jetprop looks interesting (and a nice weight too).
The problem is unlike you lucky Scandis commercial SEIFR is impossible based out of the UK (without serious forethought and planning
) so getting the machine to earn its keep would be an issue.
Spending more than $1M on a depreciating asset (for personal use only i:e glorified toy!) would be far too painful an ongoing loss for me!
There are many issues to consider here outwith the usual performance and economics discussion; like legislation and new rules concerning VLJ ops i:e Will you seriously be able to climb to service ceiling in one of these machines to get the promised performance or will you be stuck down in the weather at altitudes where the advantages of the jet are less?
To be honest I am waiting and watching at present. I am investing in another (non-aviation related) project which should end up appreciating in value and generating a healthy income + retirement fund for me.
As an interim gift to myself (for working so damned hard) I may trade my TKS Ovation 2 GX up to a TKS Mooney Acclaim-S - I don't plan to fly around at FL250 and 243kts but like the option of going there if I need to. I also really like the GFC700 with flight director and the improved G1000 with approach plates on the MFD - very cute. It is due out in the spring and provided the taxman hasn't been too cruel then it may be the next step for me. As I do with my Ovation, I would tanker around very cheap CI Avgas in the 130 usg tanks sourced from Jersey (30mins away) so the increased fuel burn would not be a great issue.
Interesting times! and good luck to Eclipse (even if I never buy one) - they have bravely stuck their necks out and I really hope they pull it off.
SB